Pitfalls to avoid when buying a flight from someone else

Buying a flight from someone else is a fantastic way to secure a deal while helping another traveler recover their costs. However, because flights are high-value items, they are often targets for scammers. To ensure your trip goes smoothly in 2026, here are the pitfalls you must avoid.

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1. Confirm Name Change Eligibility

The biggest pitfall is buying a ticket that cannot legally be transferred. While many airlines allow name corrections (fixing a typo), only specific airlines allow a full name change to a different person.

• Check the rules: Before any money changes hands, verify the airline's policy. We have a dedicated page for airline name change fees and rules—if the airline is not in our list, it probably does not allow name changes. At least not officially.

• Official vs. Unofficial: Don't take a seller's word for it; check the official "Conditions of Carriage" through our centralized resources.

2. The Trust Gap: When to Pay?

This is the classic "chicken or egg" problem. You don't want to send money before the name is changed, and the seller doesn't want to pay the name change fee before they receive your money.

• The Risk: Sending a large sum to a stranger via bank transfer or "friends and family" apps offers you zero protection. If the seller disappears, your money is gone.

3. Post-Transfer Security

A common pitfall many overlook is that even after the name is changed, the original buyer often retains access to the booking via their online airline account.

• The Danger: A dishonest seller could theoretically change the name again to a third person after you’ve already paid. All they have to do is pay the name change fee again, and you won't know until you turn up at the airport!

4. How Gadobo Protects You

With Gadobo, these pitfalls are eliminated through our secure escrow system.

• Payment Protection: We hold your money in a secure account and only release it to the seller after the flight has successfully departed.

• Fraud Deterrent: This holding period stops the seller from changing the name again and selling your flight to someone else. Since they won't get paid if they tamper with the booking, your seat remains secure.

By using Gadobo, you turn a risky transaction into a guaranteed bargain.

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